Passing of Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM

Statement - Minister Wyatt

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rosalie Kunoth-Monks. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and all Arrernte, Alyawarra and Anmatjere peoples.

Many Australians know Rosalie Kunoth-Monks as the first Indigenous lead actress in the 1955 Australian film, Jedda, but her commitment to her people and all Aboriginal peoples across Australia is what we will remember her for.

Ms Kunoth-Monks was a steadfast member of the Alice Springs and wider Central Australia community as a strong advocate for Aboriginal, environmental and human rights.

She was renowned in her community and on the global stage for her tireless campaigning and, over the years, has provided invaluable advice to governments at the federal and territory levels.

From promoting land rights through to the preservation of language and culture, Ms Kunoth-Monks’ enduring legacy will be felt by many.

In 1993, Ms Kunoth-Monks was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her service to the Aboriginal community and in 2015, she was rightly recognised as NAIDOC’s Person of the Year and the Northern Territory’s Australian of the Year – all fitting recognition for a lifetime dedicated to improving the lives of those around her.

Vale Rosalie.